Transplanting plants is basically moving it whole or a part of it from one place to another for the purpose of cultivation. It is usually done for successful propagation which in turn gives better produce. While transplanting a whole plant, it is important to move them with a lump of soil around the root area to prevent damage to the roots which will affect water absorption.
Transplanting Uprooted Offshoots
When it comes to moving an entire plant by uprooting and replanting, it is advisable to do so when the sun is not too hot as the heat can be too intense for the plant. If you have no choice but to transplant during summer, extra care must be taken to avoid damage.
- The plants should be watered the day before they are lifted. This makes it easier for you to dig.
- Transplant the plant during evening hours when it is cool as this gives it time to adjust to its new location before exposure to the sun. This mostly applies to seedlings.
- Water the soil around the roots to prevent exposure of roots to wind which easily dries them up.
- Water your succulents once a week to enable them to use up the water they have soaked up during the week.
- Shield the plant from direct sunlight for 3 to 5 days using a lean board.
- Do not over-water them as this may cause early rotting, discoloration and shriveling of the leaves.
When it comes to moving an entire plant by uprooting and replanting, it is advisable to do so when the sun is not too hot as the heat can be too intense for the plant. If you have no choice but to transplant during summer, extra care must be taken to avoid damage. The plants should be watered the day before they are lifted.
This makes it easier for you to dig. Transplant the plant during evening hours when it is cool as this gives it time to adjust to its new location before exposure to the sun. This mostly applies to seedlings. Water the plant again to ensure the soil around the roots is hydrated to prevent roots from drying up and being exposed to wind.
Water the hole you are transplanting into so as to saturate the soil. Transplant into the hole halfway and fill with soil the water it before finishing filling the hole. Water the whole plant once again to prevent evaporation. Shield the plant from direct sunlight for 3 to 5 days using a lean board. Check on the plant daily for dryness and ensure to water it to prevent early wilting.
Growing succulents using leaves of an existing plant
When growing a new succulent plant from the leaves of an existing plant, you can simply remove and transplant one of the leaves. Transplanting succulents is way cheaper than buying a whole new plant.
Gently pull a leaf from the succulent in twisting motion and try to get it from where it is attached to the stem. The perfect leaf shape when replanting a succulent leaf should be shaped like ‘U’ on the end where the plant was attached. Put the leaves on a paper towel for some days to allow the ends to dry out. When that’s done, stick the extreme end into a shallow bed of soil. The new plant should be away from direct sunlight. Mist the leaves with water a few times in a week or just water lightly.
In a few weeks, the roots will start growing, and soon after, the baby plant. With care, remove the main leaf when it dries up. By this time, the baby plant should be at least ½” tall. Alternatively, you can re-pot your new succulent in a planter to prevent root disturbance. Repotting overgrown succulents can also be done to grow new succulents.
Growing plants from stem cuttings
Growing plants from stem cuttings is done by cutting the stems and remove the leaves then replant the bottom.
This is done using a very sharp, clean scissors or knife to cut through the main stem of the plant.
Carefully remove the leaves and leave it to dry for a few days. Plant the base of the stem in soil and water lightly.
Eventually, baby plants will start growing out of the spaces where the leaves were removed in a few weeks.
Growing plants from branch cuttings
Growing plants from branch cuttings can also be done where a full branch can be removed and replanted. It will sprout roots from the base and turn into its own plant.
Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut the branches right where they meet the main stalk. Offshoots should be neatly sliced away from the main plant ensuring not to damage the roots.
The cut-off pieces should be replanted in the soil immediately and placed in indirect sunlight. Lightly water them weekly and in several weeks or months, the growth will start taking place.
Can you cut and replant succulents?
Yes, you can definitely cut and replant succulents. They are cut and will eventually form roots at the base and turn into a new plant. The baby plants can also be removed and replanted in their own space.
When can I transplant succulents?
Succulents need to be transplanted once every 1 to 2 years. Also while transplanting succulents, it is important to do it when it’s cool so as to prevent the plant from losing water and stay hydrated as it adapts to its new location. The best season to do this is during spring. During summer it is too hot to transplant unless you are transplanting succulents indoors.
Should I water succulents after transplanting?
Yes. The succulents should be watered heavily after transplanting but not immediately as the roots need to settle in. Afterward, they should actually be drenched in water because the water on the surface evaporates relatively quickly.
Moisture will still be trapped deep in the soil which facilitates the growth of deep and healthy roots that anchor the plant and enables it to access water and nutrients.
For indoor succulent transplants, it is always good to water them every 10 to 14 days as they do not lose water as much as outdoor transplants. Transplanted succulents should always be well watered to prevent drying up.
Do succulents need to be crowded?
No, succulents should not be planted too close to each other. Crowding is not encouraged as it enables mold infestation and inhibits faster growth of the succulents as there isn’t enough room for them to spread out. It also makes it harder to water the succulents and water to infiltrate to the roots.
Crowded succulents grow to look big for the planter and at that point, it becomes difficult to trim and remove them. The roots also fill up the pot or planter they are in. For your plants to get bigger and puffy they need a spacious arrangement. This also prevents unnecessary new growth.
Too much spacing is also not aesthetic when it comes to indoor succulents. Just enough space is good enough for the plants to flourish. It also counts as easy maintenance as you do not have to cut back the succulents every now and then.
Can you use regular potting soil for succulents?
Yes, regular potting soil can be used for succulents. Succulents can actually do well in any type of soil. The best potting soil for succulents is a well-draining potting mix. Using a good potting mix of porous soil is important to prevent overwatering.
You can use your own special soil mix for your succulents, especially since most succulents are adapted to environments that do not have much water. Soils that succulents prefer have a little clay in them which holds water and a lot of large sand particles to allow water to drain through them as they do not do well with so much water when they are grown.
Succulents need organic components in the soil and fertilizer supplements are also a plus for more nutrients. Succulents have a hard time dealing with wet roots so a good mixture with good drainage is appropriate. A mixture of 2 parts of organic soil, 1 perlite, and 1 part gravel is good enough.
Sprinkling some pebbles on the topsoil adds a presentable look to your succulents and prevents dogs or digging animals from ruining them.
Benefits of Succulents
They multiply easily, which makes them great for transplanting using various propagation techniques, whether you use the leaves or stem. Succulents can be grown as indoor and outdoor plants. Given the right circumstances, they can survive in areas where most plants suffer.
Succulents can be found almost anywhere these days. They are used creatively and are used hand in hand with flowers for decorative purposes such as wedding centerpieces or just adding that warm, homey feeling. When transplanted, these plants continue to thrive as they are adaptable to any environment with proper care. Succulents are trendy, accessible, and convenient.
Succulents like aloe-vera have healing properties which makes them recommendable to grow. They also improve air quality in your home by releasing water vapor through their pores during photosynthesis. Succulents also help in improving concentration just by having it on your study desk.
Some succulents are also edible and make for tasty and healthy snacks. Learning how to propagate these plants is as easy as watching a YouTube tutorial from the basics to the soil mixture as they are great plants to have around.
Conclusion
Generally, succulents are not hard to transplant but you need to be extra careful while conducting the operation. They have fibrous roots that are close to the surface which makes them easily catch water. Succulents are very popular and easy to grow hence it is easy to get hooked on them.
They are drought resistant with their amazing water-holding properties and they are easy to care for as long as they are watered and have the right potting mixture.
They require very little attention. Succulents come in many different unique shapes and sizes, textures, and features. Their beauty is seen in the amazing range of colors they exhibit and they also change color under different lighting conditions.